~A Token of Friendship~

This month I have been thinking about Valentine's Day, love, and the blessings of true friendship. I am very fortunate to have wonderful friends in my life who personify Proverbs 17:17. I wanted to make a little token for each of them...and then, decided to make a few extras for you...or your bosom friend.

 

 

I hope you'll stop by Early Work Mercantile to see my latest offerings. 

 

Until next time...

Rhonda

 

Merry Christmas...

...from our house, to yours!

 ~Our Boys, Circa 1994~

"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other."~Burton Hills~

 May the Spirit of joy fill your hearts and homes as you celebrate this most wondrous of seasons. Wishing you peace, prosperity and health in 2012.

Until next year...

Rhonda

(Faux) Blackened Wax Fruit Tutorial~Thrift Shop Bowl Makeover

 If you read my blog on a regular basis you already know that I'm a thrift shop junkie. I have a favorite local shop run by the sweetest little ladies. They are exceptionally kind to me and always seem to have the "good stuff". Last week I stopped by, and among other things, found this...

...large wooden bowl filled with faux fruit, only $4. This is only a few pieces of the fruit, as I nearly forgot to snap a "before" photo. I had an idea brewing and was impatient excited to get started.

I've always wanted a big ol' bowl of the beautiful blackened wax fruit that I see in shops, but being the cheapskate that I am, have never wanted to spend the money on something "I can make myself". Yes, yes we've all been there, haven't we? We CAN make it...but we almost never do. Well, when I saw this lovely big wooden bowl filled with fruit I got the idea to turn faux fruit into "blacken wax" faux fruit. And if it didn't work...well, the bowl was still a deal at $4, right? And while I was at it, I decided I'd give the bowl a new/old finish.

~Before~

 I already had everything I needed, so I gathered my materials.

 

 For the faux wax fruit you only need a few things.

Black Acrylic Paint, Matte Finish (the cheap stuff is fine)

Ground Cinnamon  (the cheap stuff is fine here too. I bought ALDI brand)

Small Artist's Paintbrush

Drop Cloth

Handheld Hairdryer (optional, but sure speeds up drying)

This project is so easy...you're gonna love it.

Spread out your drop cloth and give yourself plenty of room to work. If you do a lot of pieces, you'll have fruit drying everywhere. Using full strength paint, begin painting each piece of fruit with a nice even coat. I painted one side of each piece of fruit then sat it aside to dry and did the next piece. Then I went back and painted the other side of each piece. I checked each piece in bright light to be sure I had good coverage. You want the original color of the fruit to be completely covered. 

 Like this.

I didn't paint the stems. Tip: If any of the fruit is missing a stem-or if they look "fake", you can replace them with stems from real fruit. Just poke a small hole in the top using an awl or a large needle and glue in the replacement stem. Do this before adding the cinnamon.  

 Now for the tricky part. OK, not really...there is no tricky part.

After the fruit is completely dry (this is where the hairdryer comes in handy), pour your bottle of cinnamon into a shallow dish. This project only uses up a small amount of cinnamon, but you can keep what's leftover to use on another project. Just don't use it for cooking. Now, roll each piece of fruit in the cinnamon. You can gently pat, rub or sprinkle...whatever works for you. I just rolled mine around, then sat each piece aside while I painted my bowl. 

Now for the bowl...I started by giving my bowl a good washing and allowing it to dry overnight before painting. There was no previous finish on the bowl. For painting the bowl I used Old Century Colors, acrylic paint in the color, Olde Pewter 2023. I used full strength paint to get the look of a heavily painted old bowl...but you can water your paint down (one part paint, two parts water) for a more transparent look. 

 My painted bowl, before the antiquing process.

I painted the bottom of the bowl, going around in a circular motion, with the grain. Pay special attention to the rim and the bottom where you would see natural wear, were it an antique bowl. If you get too much paint on the bowl, just use a wet cloth to scrub some off, again following the bowl's contours. You can also use fine sandpaper to remove a bit of paint. When you're happy with the way it looks, set it aside to dry. Again, I used a hairdryer to speed up the process.

After your bowl is dry you'll want to go over it with an antiquing medium to give it a bit of age. I used Folkart/Plaid Antiquing Medium, in the color Apple Butter Brown, to stain my bowl. Mix one part antiquing medium to two parts water. Remember a little goes a long way. Brush the mixture on over the outside of the bowl and quickly wipe off excess stain with a dry cloth. Then repeat on the inside of the bowl. The antiquing medium drys fast and the longer it sits, the darker the wood will be. If it is too dark for your liking, wipe some stain off with a wet cloth. 

The  bottom of my painted bowl, after a light sanding and applying the antiquing medium.

I antiqued both the inside, and the outside of my bowl. Keep in mind that you won't want to use these products on the inside if you plan to serve food in your bowl, as they are not food-safe. 

 The inside of my finished bowl is a nice warm brown color.

~After~

Looks  and smells just like the real deal...and just in time for my Thanksgiving table!

That's it! Told you it was easy!

Until next time...

Rhonda

Log Cabin Christmas at Early Work Mercantile

 

Here's a little sneak peek at what I've been working on for the Early Work Mercantile update on November 15th. My designs were inspired by the classes I took at Country Sampler last month. I'm really pleased with the way these projects turned out. I can hardly wait to show them to you!

 

 At Early Work Mercantile, you'll find lots of great winter offerings from many talented primitive artists. I do hope you'll stop by for the big reveal.

Until Next time...
Rhonda

Turn, Turn, Turn...

This is the first fall in over twenty years that I didn't have to concern myself with the education of my children. No books to order, no lessons to plan, no contemplating whether we should we start school before or after Labor Day.  My last student "graduated" and is on to grown up things. It's a strange feeling. But, as both Pete Seeger and Ecclesiastes say, “To everything there is a season..."

Honestly, I'm really enjoying this season. Sometimes I almost feel guilty for enjoying it so much. Almost. :) And although I no longer have to grade papers...I still have homework. 

I've fantasized heard about the Boxwood and Berries Gatherings at Country Sampler in Spring Green, Wisconsin for years. This year, I've been saving my pennies to make my fantasy become a reality. And this year, I'm going! I can hardly believe it! Five glorious days of solitude...reading, sewing, antiquing and best of all, taking classes with two of my folk art heroes...Maggie Bonanomi  and Stacy Nash. I've been working on perfecting my curtsey, because in my book, these ladies are the royalty of primitive design. I feel like Cinderella going to the ball! Can you tell how very, very excited I am?

I got my itinerary a few days ago...the projects and other events planned for us by the artists and shop owners look incredible. In order to get so many things accomplished in the time we have, Stacy assigned some homework.

Whew! I'm very nearly finished. This is the first time I've stitched on 28 count linen... it's stitched one thread over two. It took a bright light and magnifier for me to see the threads.

This section is part of a sewing basket we'll be making with Stacy. I've long been a fan of her beautiful sewing accessories and samplers, but let me tell you, this gave me new respect for what she does! I hope you'll hop on over to her blog and see her exquisite work for yourself. She also has some photos of the finished sewing basket on her blog. It's seriously TO.DIE.FOR.

I still have a wee bit of stitching to finish. I am determined to have it finished before I go. I wonder if they'd believe me if I told them, "the dog ate my homework?"

If you've been to a Boxwood and Berries Gathering before, I'd love to hear any tips you might have, either about the workshops or must see places in the area. Any information about where to shop, thrift, eat healthy, or antique in and around Spring Green would be very much appreciated. I'll be traveling from the Chicagoland area...where do YOU recommend I stop?

And...if you happen to be one of the fortunate few who are attending the second session (I know you're out there somewhere) please do send me an email. I'd love to say "Hello" before class. :)

Until next time...Rhonda

What I Did On My Summer Vactation (OR where the heck have you been?)

Some of you might be wondering just what happened to me over the summer...I've really missed being part of the blogging community these last few months. I've missed seeing what you've been up to, your projects, your photos, your offerings...I've missed YOU. I really appreciate my faithful readers...THANK YOU for sticking with me, I hope you'll return again and again.

I can't believe it's fall! Seriously, summer flew by so quickly that I almost feel like it never happened. We were just incredibly, incredibly busy here. It seems like we went from one project to the next... 

There was a lot of painting, remodeling, and exchanging of spaces. My studio moved from a small crowded room on the main floor of the house, to two large rooms on the second floor. My old studio became a cozy little sitting room just off the master bedroom. 

This may not sound like much to some of you, but with the exception of moving the heavy furniture, I did most of the work myself.  The moving, sorting and organizing of supplies was probably the biggest part of the project. I made myself go through every button and spool and was relieved that my family didn't call the producers of "Hoarders" when they saw what was packed into my tiny studio. Mr. Kattywhompus said it reminded him of a clown car...where no matter how many clowns emerge-there's always one (or two) more. *sigh*

The changes have been a dream. I not only inherited a bigger space, but three more closets and room for an office, packaging area and permanent spot to take product photos. I was able to move most of the inventory for my vintage shop into one space, and still have a pretty and functional area to create. Of course during the move, I wasn't able to get a bit of work done...but I feel like I will be able to be much more productive now that everything is in one space and more organized.  I also have plenty of room to host gatherings with friends, which has happened a couple of times already. :)

As the mother of three sons, I've lived in a world flooded with testosterone for over twenty years. Now that the two oldest have their own place, I lost no time in creating what they refer to as "The Pink Room".

I really wanted a pretty (and comfortable) chair to sit in by the window and stitch. It's pretty now, but it certainly wasn't when I found it. I'll tell you in my next post how I PAINTED the upholstery and transformed this Craigslist find. You might be as amazed as I was at how easy it was!

In my new space, I even have room to to create vignettes with all the little pretties I've collected over the years.

Surrounding myself with things I love inspires me.

Fabric at my fingertips.

 

Pretty storage all in a row.

The "Hoosier" makes great storage (but was a booger going up the stairs).

Needfuls near the sewing machine.

On the tabletop, a sweet stemmed dish, a gift from my mother-in-love. Each time I made her a grandma, she brought me a pretty piece of glassware. One day I hope to gift them to my daughter-in-loves. The little kitten was a Mother's Day gift. I can still picture four year old Nash, standing by my bedside at 5 am, with a tiny gift wrapped box. :)

Favorite things...vintage rabbits, Tasha Tudor storybooks and shiny dragees unearthed at an estate sale by my friend Joan.

More Inspiration...

Everyone needs a helper...

Supplies...

Another corner...

A turn of the century, white cotton day dress and antique ladies pocket watch, gifts from my Momma.

I have one last project to finish in this room. I want to paint my worktable a creamy white. It's a big round claw-foot table that we've had since we were first married. Right now the finish looks like this...it really needs a makeover.

 

Well...I hope you've enjoyed the tour. I look forward to sharing the rest of my summer with you...including a tutorial on how to paint upholstered furniture, a special outing with friends, my first big feature story in Mercantile Gatherings Magazine and what I am looking forward to for fall. Until next time...Rhonda

(Please forgive my crazy spacing...blogger seems to be buggy tonight.)

~The View~

~The View from my porch today~

Today is one of those rare days when the sun is shining and the temperature is perfect. As I type this, the curtains are billowing in the breeze and I can hear birds singing outside my window. I am alone in the house except for two lazy dogs, sprawled at my feet.

The coming week is one that is full of possibilities. The entire week stretches out before me in which there is only ONE task that I must complete…something which is even rarer than the perfect sunny day.

I truly love and enjoy people, and can be a very social person. But I am a “homebody” at heart, and there are times that I begin to feel burdened by social obligations. Summertime is especially taxing, with its round of picnics and weddings and graduations…and I am sometimes overwhelmed by the constant rush to be somewhere or the effort it sometimes requires to be with other people.

The older I get, the more I crave quiet solitude, and the less I feel the need to be apologetic about it.  Sometimes I am happiest when I am alone. I am blessed with the endless ability to entertain myself and never run out of things to do. I’m never bored with my own company…qualities that have always pleased my mother.

I have a great deal of company in the house, especially in the morning when nobody calls.
~Henry David Thoreau~

 And so, I am eagerly anticipating this large block of unfettered time. I relish the thought of completing simple household chores without hurrying, preparing healthy meals, and spending time reading and stitching. This week, I plan to take time to just “sit”...as there is nothing better than mornings on the porch, with coffee, pups and time to daydream.

The coming week is one that is full of possibilities…what will you do with yours?

Until next time…

Rhonda

(Please forgive the crazy spacing...blogger is a mess today.) 

Scavenger Hunt #4~ Parts 1,2 & 3

As the scavenger hunt at Gable House Musings comes to a close...I must say I'm surprised to still be in the running. It's been a lot of fun-and some weeks it's been a real challenge to find just the right items on Misi's list! There were a few times I just knew I was on my way out...but here here I am, coming into the home stretch. Yay!

I want to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to Misi for hosting the hunt and offering such a generous prize to the winner. And although it might sound corny, I already feel like a winner...because in the last few weeks, I've made new friends, shared some laughs, and even learned a few things along the way. And you can't beat that. Misi's game has entertained us, spurred our creativity, and even encouraged us to pamper ourselves a little bit now & then. So, thank you Misi...it's been F.U.N. 

Now, on with the show...

 ~Part 1~

For part one, Misi gave us her personal shopping list. We were to find at least two items on her list, and one item from her hubby's list. I'll tell you, honestly...I panicked when I first saw the list. Although I'm a girlie girl...I had no idea what half of the stuff was. Add to that, Misi is a brunette-I'm a blonde! And I have really curly hair...I don't paint my nails...and who on earth is Bill Compton!? What's a girl to do?

The save for me was soap. 

Yes, beautiful soap is my weakness, my Achilles Heel.

I set out for TJ Maxx with Misi's recommendations in hand...

I not only treated myself to three bars of the CST soap that Misi so esteems...I bought an extra bar of soap by Laura Ashley. Who could resist scents like Vanilla Tangerine, Lavender Rosemary, Eucalyptus Aloe, and Lily and Aloe Leaf? Not I. 

Do yourself a favor..."awaken your senses"...buy this soap. These are huge, silky soft, moisturizing bars...and they come wrapped like a present-just for you. You have to get clean with something, it might as well be this.

I added a small bottle of Bed Head brand hairspray for my second item, and finished part one with Bero's movie choice...

~Part 2~

Now this part wasn't required, but participating means an extra chance to win the grand prize. So you know I'd be crazy not to give it my best try, right? I needed four out of six items from the list. Here goes.

Ruby Slippers/Shoes

"I'm a little muddled. The Munchkins called me, because a new Witch has just dropped a house on the Wicked Witch of the East. And there's the house. And here you are. And that's all that's left of the Wicked Witch of the East."

"Their magic must be very powerful, or she wouldn't want them so badly."
~Glinda, the Good Witch of the North~

Wooden Shoes

It's obvious that these shoes are adorable...but, do shoes made of wood = wooden shoes? I'm hoping Misi thinks so.

Biscotti

Triple chocolate, no nuts...the perfect accompaniment to a cup of Earl Grey tea.

Christening Gown

Antique cotton eyelet gown with millions of tiny tucks...OK, not millions, but you've got to admit, that's a lot of tucks.

Here's a closer view. Just look at the amazing detail!

Dried Apple Gourd 

Nope, don't have one. I have every other kind of gourd, but not this one.

Heart Pantry Cakes

This was one of the things I learned along the way. It was high time I tried making pantry cakes. An easy project with almost instant gratification. I made several batches...these pretty hearts were my favorite.

Which brings me to the final part of the hunt...

Part 3

~Fun with Flowers and Furbabies~

Narcissus, Daffodils, call them what you will...they are one of my very favorite flowers. If you read my story in the spring issue of Mercantile Gatherings Magazine, you know that some of my best memories include these perky yellow blooms.

On the day our sons moved away from home, my sweet Mother-in-love, thoughtfully shared the first blossoms from her garden with me.

Now I'd like to share a few photos of my furbabies with you.

This is my Murray on the first day he came to live with us. He'd just had a bath and wasn't too sure about his new surroundings. He was twelve weeks old.

And this is Murray now, resting his chin on Edith. This is the first thing I see every morning when I wake up. It's a beautiful sight to this dog lovers eyes.

My kids know how to make me laugh...sometime they use cats.

 

Mattimeo fighting zombies.

Well, that concludes the scavenger hunt...best of luck to all of my worthy opponents! It's been such fun seeing what everyone comes up with each week. To be linked to the other participants please visit Misi at: 

http://1890gablehousemusings.blogspot.com/

Until next time...

Rhonda